Palliative Medicine
eISSN: 2081-2833
ISSN: 2081-0016
Medycyna Paliatywna/Palliative Medicine
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abstract:
Original paper

The perception of a sick person regarding the changes occurring in the family when cancer appears

Paulina Anisko-Trambecka
1
,
Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak
2
,
Agnieszka Kułak-Bejda
3
,
Grzegorz Bejda
4
,
Edyta Rysiak
5
,
Wojciech Kułak
6

  1. Oncology Center, Białystok, Poland
  2. Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
  3. Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
  4. Higher Medical School, Białystok, Poland
  5. Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
  6. Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
Medycyna Paliatywna 2025; 17(4)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2025.156719
Online publish date: 2025/12/05
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Introduction
Cancer is a factor that often triggers significant changes in family functioning. The study aimed to assess a person with cancer’s perception of the changes that occur in their family.

Material and methods
The study included 185 cancer patients and was carried out using a diagnostic survey method, the author’s survey; family affluence scale, satisfaction with life scale, social readjustment rating scale, the perceived stress scale-10, coping inventory for stressful situations, Courtauld emotional control scale, generalized self-efficacy scale, social support scale by Kmiecik-Baran and De Jong Gierveld loneliness scale.

Results
Most often, according to respondents, their spouses/partners had difficulty believing in the diagnosis of cancer (41%). In the patient’s perception, in the face of their illness, the family most often felt fear for their future life (60%) and anxiety (51%). Fifty-three percent of patients stated that their spouse/partner does not have to give up work, and 51% that the disease does not worsen and does not limit contacts outside the family, while 45% stated that their children rarely participate in meetings outside the family home. Twenty-six percent reported that their children want to compensate for their illness in some way.

Conclusions
The findings highlight the importance of considering the patient’s perspective when evaluating the impact of cancer on family functioning. Coping mechanisms, emotional control, and perceived stress all impact how families cope with the challenges of illness.

keywords:

patients with cancer, family functioning, oncology
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